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ECONOMICS OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT 2024- 2034 - RIBA ’ S LATEST HORIZON SCANS INDICATE MOST PRESSING FACTORS FOR CHANGE
The Royal Institute of British Architects ( RIBA ) has published its latest set of horizon scans , which highlight the global economic systems and forces that will shape the built environment over the next decade .
Commissioned by RIBA and written by leading academics , The Economics of the Built Environment scans provide foresight on the topics expected to drive the greatest change by 2034 . The four scans are :
• Interconnectedness and specialisation : the economic geography of the built environment
• Emerging economies : how architects can contribute to sustainable urban futures in fast-changing contexts
• Inequality : planning and design for a more equitable world
• Financialisation : buildings and architecture at the centre of global financial systems
These scans reframe the built environment as an expression of the economic forces that shape it .
They investigate the factors set to impact the sector financially : from rapid urbanisation , to increased use of digital twinning augmenting the financialisation of the built environment .
Overall , the scans invite a deeper consideration of the economic system and the architect ’ s part in in . They ask what effect the way money is spent has not only on the quality of the built environment , but also on our ability to develop a more equitable society and tackle the climate crisis . They call for an intersectoral response by architects and planners , working closely with economists , financiers , clients , and others , to come up with solutions that unlock global potential .
The Economics of the Built Environment horizon scans are part of the RIBA Horizons 2034 series interrogating the global megatrends predicted to shape society , the built environment , and the architectural profession over the next ten years . Scans relating to population change and technological innovation will follow over the coming months .
RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said : “ RIBA keeps a close eye on the UK and global economy , forecasting business and employment trends month-to-month in our Future Trends reports and deep-diving into the wider economic context in architectural market economics reports . With expert insight on how the economic environment will change over the next decade , the Economics of the Built Environment scans position architects as having a great opportunity to positively shape the urban transformation ahead of us .
“ They highlight the need for an intersectoral response by architects and planners , working closely with economists , financiers and clients . Collaboration will be key to find solutions that unlock global potential .
“ These are timely , fascinating research essays – a critical resource that every architect should read to help steer their thinking as they plan for the future of their business and career .”
Editor of RIBA Horizons 2034 : The Economics of the Built Environment , independent urban economist Astrid R . N . Haas , said : “ Across the world , the urban environment is failing many of its inhabitants . To rectify this , innovation is urgently needed to match the dynamism and pace of change in cities over the coming decades .”
Read RIBA Horizons 2034 : The Economics of the Built Environment .
Explore RIBA Horizons 2034 . www . constructionviewonline . co . uk